Lawrence Ervin Berte died after helping to save Norman J. Kahlhaas from drowning, Livermore, Iowa, October 10, 1976. While fording a stream on horseback, Kahlhaas, 20, a non-swimmer, got into deep water and was thrown. Berte, 19, farmer, who was following, jumped off his mount and swam to Kahlhaas, who grasped him and caused him to be submerged briefly several times near the floundering horse. A 17-year-old girl swam to them and assisted Berte in supporting Kahlhaas while others at the scene were forming a human chain to reach them. By means of the chain, Kahlhaas was pulled to the bank with the girl following. It then was discovered that Berte had sunk and drowned.
(c)
1996-2006 Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.
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